Online Shopping Debacle

Okay, so some might remember a certain ring that I wanted oh so badly. Well let this be a lesson to us all that online shopping is not always the best route. Now I have a lot of friends who have been successful in their online shopping endeavors. Unfortunately Caity is not so lucky in that department! Maybe it's due to the fact that I am a tall girl that doesn't always fit everything. Perhaps it is because I am too picky. Whatever it is. I believe this might just be the last time I decide to shop via the internet.

I "accidentally" purchased this ring. Yes, accidentally, I am sticking to this. The UPS driver just gave me the package, and when I saw it, I started laughing! IT WAS HIDEOUS! It looks nothing like it did in the picture. It looks like I got it out of a quarter machine. Seriously bad. It really does look like a completely different ring. For as expensive as it was it looks super cheap. (I tried to take a picture to show the difference but they just don't do it justice.) I actually am shocked that J Crew would sell it, I love their stuff.

Just thought I would share my sad lil story with the rest of you, and now I am out the door to return it.

(my momma actually bought the ring for me, bless her heart, either way back to the store it goes!)

Love the Sleeves!

Just found these dresses here at MikaRose
I am loving how more and more dresses have sleeves on them.

WOULD YOU RATHER (2)

Would you rather have to wear an inner tube and arm floaties for a week OR wear this bathing suit on the outside of your clothing with the red wig and glasses for a month?

sunny day..

flip flop weather!

(my lil' footsies at my weddin')

Divine Comedy..

(image)

It seems that t.v. is flooded with too much drama. Yes, I love Lost, yes, reality t.v. is mind numbing and wonderful, but I have to say give me comedy. There are very few seriously funny shows on t.v. anymore. Here are a couple that I truly appreciate. If anyone has any recommendations on some witty shows that I may be missing let me know, so I can watch and enjoy with the rest of you..

"Now for baby Parry's 1st birthday he will be wearing a tux, and a top hat. But the question I have for you is. Is if we give him the cane and monocle to go with it, will people mistake him for a midget?" - Notes from the Underbelly

"Oh Robin, my simple friend from the untamed north. Let me tell you about a little thing I like to call 'mind over body' ... You see, whenever I start feeling sick, I just stop being sick and be awesome instead. True story. " -How I Met Your Mother

"The most sacred thing I do is care and provide for my workers, my family. I give them money. I give them food. Not directly, but through the money. I heal them. Today, I am in charge of picking a great new health care plan. Right? That's what this is all about. Does that make me their doctor? Um... Yes, in a way. Yeah, like a specialist." -The Office

"You know what's weird? Donald Duck never wore pants. But whenever he's getting out of the shower, he always put a towel around his waist. I mean, what is that about?" - Friends

"The code of the schoolyard, Marge! The rules that teach a boy to be a man. Let's see. Don't tattle. Always make fun of those different from you. Never say anything, unless you're sure everyone feels exactly the same way you do." -The Simpson's

"To me, the thing about birthday parties is that the first birthday party you have and the last birthday party you have are actually quite similar. You know, you just kinda sit there... you're the least excited person at the party. You don't even really realize that there is a party. You don't know what's goin' on. Both birthday parties, people have to kinda help you blow out the candles, you can't do it... you don't even know why you're doing it. What is this ritual? What is going on? It's also the only two birthday parties where other people have to gather your friends together for you. Sometimes they're not even your friends. They make the judgement. They bring 'em in, they sit 'em down, and they tell you - 'these are your friends! Tell them thank you for coming to my birthday party." - Seinfeld

(*ten points if you can tell me who said them)

Simply Saturday

With mine and Jess's husbands busy, busy, busy (with finals). The two of us decided to have a bit of a girls day out. We started with breakfast at the Pancake House. Where you could find the two of us with our plates full of awesome food and downing our numerous Diet Cokes. (she is a fellow addict) Then we hopped from one cute little boutique to another. She was looking for Bunco prizes and I was there for the window shopping. If you were to look in our bag's at the end of the day you could find a frame, a hangy sign, a super cute (and half off I might add) bracelet, and a cute lil' book. Some in Jess's bag, some in mine. I would have to say that it was a successful and oh so fun day. If you have never been to Hip and Humble, Koo DE Ker, Artichokes & Co. or any of the other shops from 9th to Sugar House. You should def. check them out. We found great deals along the way.

The best was that night I ended up being able to spend just a little time with the Hub before he crashed from a hard day o' studyin. We red boxed a movie and ate yummy pizza. Couldn't ask for a better Saturday!

WOULD YOU RATHER?

So I was chatting with my Dad last night and explaining how this blog thing works. He suggested that I put my Would You Rather question's on here. Some might remember that a couple years ago I would make them up and send them out via text message and people would answer me back. It was something to do at my last job. After I stopped doing them people kept asking for them again. It's just for fun. Something really silly. Answer if you want. If not, at least it will offer you some sort of entertainment at work! I just ask that if you do decide to answer, explain why, it makes it more fun for all involved! So here we go... (and yes I make them up, I don't copy them from that stupid website)

Would You Rather:

Have Marilyn Manson sing at your wedding OR Have Weird Al in every single one of your wedding pictures? (ha, can you imagine the temple pics?!) Here are photo's to give you the visual!

(I can't believe I just put a picture of Marilyn Manson on my blog! My kids are going to think I was such a weirdo!)

"LOVE" Tennis..

Last night my Dad, Mom, brother Travis, and I all went to play tennis. It was a little chilly at first, but as we started playing we warmed up quickly. I would say I am a pretty sporty girl. Since I am tall and a fairly quick learner it usually doesn't take me long to get okay at a sport. Plus my Dad is seriously one of the best coaches you will ever find. Forever patient and is one of those people that is good at EVERYTHING! My brother is the same way. Unfortunately it takes me longer. Anyway.. when I was introduced to tennis, I instantly loved it, that's not to say that I instantly played like a pro, but I loved the sport. It is far and away my favorite sport to watch on television.

So when the opportunity to go to the U.S. Open with one of my darling friends Alana and her family, I had to go. In fact I think I invited myself on that trip! (I am tempted to post a certain Statue of Liberty picture, but won't because I am saving that as blackmail in case I need it later Lan!)

We were incredibly lucky on that trip because we saw one of those games that you watch at home and are screaming at your t.v. and wish you were seeing it in person. It was the Agassi vs. Blake match. This game had us cheering at the top of our lungs. Jumping up and down. Going crazy. A sports photographer came into the lab a short time after we got back from New York and mentioned he shot that game. He was nice enough to give me some of the images. ( David A. Sherman) Here are a couple pictures from the infamous game.


My brother has now given me the ultimatum that I have one year to get good enough to join a league with him and my parents. So that's one of my goals for this year... become more Serena Williamsish?

Sweet!

Right now while I am trying to watch what I eat my body seems to be wanting sweets even more! So when I came across these low calorie treats I thought I would share. And look how cute they are!

Teeny Tiny Swirl Lollipop's look here (56 calories)

Emily's Chocolate-Covered Fortune Cookie (69 calories)
BakedNYC marshmallows (50 calories for two)

"healthy" lunch

This is what my lunch should have looked like...

Then my mom brought me this lovely little treat..

Then this was lunch.

Oh, Ben how I love your cookies...

(thanks mom)

Rumbi Chaos

( got this picture here)

I stopped by Rumbi last night for a to-go order so I could go home and watch ANTM (if you don't know what that stands for, I am not going to tell you, because you will just make fun of me like my husband does for watching it!)

As I waited for my tasty Bali Chicken and Rice bowl. (have you tried this one? can we say yum?) I watched a table with two children and their mother. The scene: One little boy playing the "drums" with his chopsticks as loud as he could muster. The other punching him and screaming "SHUT UP!" (after being scolded by his mother) then decided he should scream at the top of his lungs and drop his whole body on the floor. The mother tried to pick him up and bumped the chopstick boy which resulted in him balling and screaming too. (quite entertaining)

The mother tried to calm them, but to the dismay of everyone in the restaurant, the boy with the chopsticks kept crying and started playing the "drums" on his mothers head. While the other boy picked himself off the floor and started hitting his brother again. The mom tried to pry the boys apart all while being pelted with chopsticks and rice being flung EVERYWHERE. I left before any more rice hit the fan...

I left with a sense of gratitude that I didn't have to wrestle with any kids and I could just stop in, collect my food and retire to watch my stupid reality show. NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG! (I just know that all of you mom's are raring to leave me comments of how wonderful it is to have children, and I COMPLETELY agree with you) I cannot stress enough that one day I do hope to have kids,(NOT THOSE KIDS, but kids.) I am excited for the day when I do get to be a mom. I repeat I LOVE CHILDREN! But for right now I am just enjoying the time alone with my husband. Once more, I DO intend to have kids in the future, but for now while we don't I am content without all the rice in my hair...

Robert and Caitlin's Crazy Love Story...

For any of you who have been to our apartment, you might have noticed this picture hanging. (taken in Kauai) This is a photograph by David Whitten. (a photographer that uses the lab)

As I look out at the dreariness which is our weather in Utah. I can only imagine what the weather is like in Hawaii... About a year and a half ago Robert and I were there, combing the beaches on our honeymoon. I can't believe it has been that long. It seems like just yesterday I was getting a call in the MTC from Elder Hashimoto saying that I had a phone call and "Good news! Your boyfriend wants to marry you!" (insert thick Japanese accent)

For those who have not heard this crazy/romantic story, it goes something like this...

I had decided to go on a mission right around the time Robert and I decided to date. So when he said he wanted to keep dating me I said "Fine, but I am going on this mission!" When it got a little closer to when I was supposed to go to Ohio, and we got a lot more serious. We started having second thoughts. We decided to pray and see if it was right for me to go. So I did and strangely enough it was right.

We continued dating and it was harder and harder to think about leaving him. But at the same time I felt really good about going too. I have never been so conflicted! When the day came to take me to the MTC, there were MANY tears. While in the MTC I met many people to make this transition in my life easier. Sister Winkel (my comp.), Gibbons, and Florence. (Wink, Gibbs, and Flo) We shared a room and these girls were all so supportive. They will always have a special little place in my heart.

One day we got an overhead announcement in our dorm saying that Sister Baddley (me) needed to get down to the office immediately. (no matter how much time goes by I will always remember that feeling. That uncertain feeling of dread. I was certain someone had died.)

Sister Wink and I bustled straight to that office, the whole time her just as worried as I that something was wrong. She was great to give me little comments that "everything was going to be alright". The aforementioned Elder Hashimoto came out and told me that I needed to go back to his office alone. (in the MTC you never leave your comp. another bad sign!)

Luckily Sister Wink was right in saying that everything was going to be alright. Before I could even sit down Elder Hashimoto shouted the words that will forever ring in my head as the words of proposal (not from my husband I might add) "GOOD NEWS! YOUR BOYFRIEND WANTS TO MARRY YOU!!" (like I had been waiting to know if my boyfriend was going to snatch me out of the MTC)

Well as you can imagine I was not only startled, but VERY confused. Hadn't we talked about how I was going on a mission? The first words out of my mouth? "Who are you??" (I was sure that Elder H's job was to wait in the wings for some unsuspecting sister missionary and swoop in for the oh so romantic Japanese screaming words of good news)

He explained that I needed to call my father and talk to him about all of this (the only thing I could think was "Will someone PLEASE get Bob on the phone!?") I was taken to a small room to call my Dad. He answered and said that Bob had come to him the day previous and after a game of golf told him of all his feelings and experiences that had led him to realize he needed to marry me. I asked if maybe I could speak to Bob (um finally!)

Bob was quiet and explained what he had been through in the short time I had been in the MTC. I won't go into the details except to say that Bob is not someone to do anything rash or make any decisions that he hasn't fully weighed out in his mind. He had spoken with his Bishop who had agreed that it was right to call me. Not to mention everyone else at home who thought it was bizarre that we were so right for each other and so far away from each other!

I told Bob I needed time to think and pray about this all too important decision. I did and later on called him and told him I was going on the mission. (WHAT??! you may ask, well there's more) The last week of the MTC I started realizing that I had made the biggest decision of my life OVER THE PHONE? I realized I needed to talk to him in person and needed to pull this last thorn of doubt so I could have a successful mission.

Elder H and my teachers agreed. So we made the phone call and the next day my dad and Bob were there at the good ol' MTC. Since I was set apart as a sister missionary I couldn't be in a room by myself with Bob (I am not quite sure what they thought would happen, but I know it's precautionary) So they put my dad, Bob and me in room no bigger than what seemed to be a phone booth tipped on it's side. While Bob poured out his heart to me and promised to wait the 18 months, my dad tried to seem inconspicuous and uncomfortably scooted as far away as he could. I decided I was now okay to go. (That's right hop on a plane and go across the country without talking or seeing each other for 18 months.) (But wait there's just a little bit more!)

I full heartily went to Ohio, with now no cares about my home life. Ready to serve, excited to be on a new adventure. All the way until the plane set down in Ohio. The only way I can explain the feeling was something inside that didn't feel right or complete.. a heaviness.

We took a tour of the most beautiful Kirtland historical sights, where I would be serving. We saw things that normally I would be brimming with excitement to be apart of. The only thing I could feel was that something wasn't right. Now I was feeling confused since I had gotten a definite answer that I should go to Ohio, so what could be wrong?

All of us missionaries were taken to the School of the Prophets. (where probably anyone could feel an overwhelming spirit) We were told that it was time to dedicate our missions to the Lord. As I knelt, ready to do this, trying to ignore this nagging heavy feeling. I suddenly let myself wonder if it would be okay if I could go home and marry Robert. A feeling of complete warmth and happiness flooded over me. It was okay. I had a sudden understanding that I needed to go to show I was willing. I also think it was a way for Bob and I to realize just how important it was we get married and to appreciate each other. (Believe me this is not how I would have planned it, I still can't believe I flew all the way to Ohio, I guess that shows just how willing I was to serve.)

So what happened next? I talked to my mission President who agreed I should go get married. He told me to call and tell him the good news. While my new comp. had to be in bed by a certain time I hid in the closet so I could call my future hubby and tell him I was coming home to marry him. On the other end of the phone call you could hear Bob saying things like "I promise I will be the best husband, I will do everything I can to make you happy.." (he is and he has)

A few days later I was home in his arms and ready to plan the wedding. Happy as a clam. Isn't it funny how life can be? I think that was one of the hardest ways to get engaged, but it was the way it had to be!

I don't usually do posts this long, but seeing as one of the biggest reasons I started this was because I wanted to share it with my future children.. what better way than to read a funny/crazy/romantic story about their parents. And as for the rest of you, you can get to know me just a bit better.

Was I talking about Hawaii? Hmm, yes I wonder how the weather is there...

Clumsy Cait

Lately I have been clumsy. Bob would say that as long as he has known me I have been. And he would be right. It just seems like lately it has gone from bad to worse. I have been hurting myself daily. Just in this week alone I have gotten two paper cuts, burned myself, and fallen on the escalator. That's right I fell on an escalator! Last week I was reaching for my glass perfume bottle. I knocked it off the shelf and instead of shattering, it bounced off the floor and as I was trying to catch it came up and hit my nose. These freak things happen to me all of the time! I will innocently trip and Bob will try his hardest not to laugh at me. He will scoop me into his arms to coddle me and politely say "You're not gonna make it"

Gym Rat

(got this little guy here)

Joined 24 Hour Fitness. Went to this gym for the first time last night. Worked out my legs and they are a wee bit shaky today. Trying a Pilate's class tonight, my body may be hating me tomorrow! I guess this makes me an official gym rat.

Park City Splendor

Great weather Saturday. We arrived, and went to our rooms to find product bags waiting for us. They contained sunglasses, flip flops and a ton of bath stuff. A great way to start off a film festival (in style)

We then sat down for lunch. My mom had spent so much time making all of the food in advance and it was food that was fancy and oh so tasty. For lunch we ate asparagus and egg butter sandwiches, curry chicken salad croissant's, cucumber crust-less tea sandwiches, and avocado on rye's. So good, I think I ate 10 of them!

Following lunch we watched Dan In Real Life. We loved it. We all laughed really hard. Then we watched a documentary about Everest. Then followed it all up with Pride & Prejudice. (The one with Keira Knightly) It was so fun and relaxing to just sit and watch movies, talk and laugh.

We all ate dinner which consisted of a yummy salad, Lion House rolls, meatloaf with potatoes and cheese layered in the middle, one of the tastiest things was the mushroom, rice, and parmesan. I hate mushrooms and I had two helpings! Then for dessert we ate chocolates and banana's my mom had dipped in chocolate and topped with macadamia nuts! Holy cow AMAZING food. (anyone who knows my mom, knows she is an amazing cook)

The rest of the night we goofed off and took funny pictures. My room had the biggest tub I have ever seen! (heaven) I put some of the bubble bath from my gift bag in and started up the jets. Then I left the room, when I had come back the bubbles were so high that I could have stood in them and you only would have seen my face! So funny.

The next morning we woke up and ate a tasty breakfast casserole, talked and laughed. (and snacked on more chocolates)

This is the only semi decent picture we took of all of us together. Great memories. Thanks for all of the thought and work you put into this Mom! It was a success. I love you.

Simply Happy

Just got home from Park City toting my new gift bag. Am full from all of the AMAZING food, entertained from the great films, and happy with all the great memories. Thanks Mom!

Park City Fun...

Off to Park City for the weekend. Gonna enjoy a girl's night Film Festival courtesy of my sweet mom... (simply caitlin designs)

Sally Selle?

For those of you considering baby names, you might want to check here first. I stumbled upon this and had a good laugh. Enjoy.

Happy Friday!

This morning I dragged myself out of bed. I could hardly open my eyes. Went to work and sat there willing myself to wake up when Gavin comes walking through the door with a Happy Friday treat for me!

It seems him and the missus' went to breakfast at Gourmandise Bakery and bought me this awesome treat. I am eating this now, and let me tell you. FANTASTIC! Thank you guys so much for my awesome morning treat surprise! Such a thoughtful thing to do. (am blessed with amazing friends)

The funny thing is Gavin was coming off a graveyard shift and hadn't slept, and I was the one that looked like I needed 8 hours o' sleep (A morning person I am not, a sweets fiend? You bet.)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bon Bon's

I got this recipe from here under the candy section. (you can get the recipe from her site or I will post it in my comments with a few tips) Judging by this and my Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed French Toast it would seem I am on a peanut butter kick as of late.. (I personally can't get enough of the PB)

Okay, let's get started...

I had fun crushing my rice crisps (took out my frustration from the day on them)

very rich and very tasty

Enjoy!

Zachary Finnegan

(peeps post #6)

Zack is my nephew. He is one of the funniest, smartest kids you will meet. He is my favorite little kid to photograph because he will usually pose and he is so freakin adorable that you can't help but take a million pictures. Case in point...

We went to Disneyland together recently, when we would get bored standing in line, I would say okay Zack, be angry, now be surprised, be happy, you get the point. Bob made fun of me because I had a million pictures saved in the camera from that trip.

Zack makes me happy. I crave him. (as I do with all of my nieces and nephews) He has such a fun personality. The other day I called his house and he answered by saying "Hello, who is this?" after talking to him for a short while I asked if he could take the phone to his mom so I could talk to her. He told me that he couldn't because it was attached to the wall (like I was an idiot for not knowing that already) Then he said "okay bye Aunt Caity" (right before he hung up on me his Dad snatched the phone from him). He is such a character and I love it. In Disneyland Zack would get so tired from walking that we would stop, lay on the ground (no matter where we were) and throw his arms and legs out and say he wasn't going to walk another step.

Zack is my little buddy, I wish he would come and live with me. I would take him to work and let him answer all of my phone calls. He would be better at dealing with all of my crazy customers.

I love you Zack! (Finn)

mother nature's crazy sense of humor..

ahem, mother nature do you think we could have a little more this...

and a little less this?

thank you.

Oh, brother..

(random peeps post #5)

Travis is my brother. He goes by a plethora of names. George, Travis, Trav (what I usually call him), Babe (by his wife), Dad (by his kids). Travis has been one of those people that have helped me become who I am. Helped me to develop a sense of humor, encouraged me to try new things, (sometimes forced me!), toughened me up. I am really blessed to have him as my brother. I dug up some old pictures and thought this peeps post would be better with me telling about him through photographs...

Trav used to make me diaper box trains, fix a jump rope to it and pull me all over the house. Growing up with him I saw so much talent and creativeness. Sometimes he used it for evil when he would tell me I could play with him and his friends, and then they would put me in a sleeping bag and toss me down the stairs in it. (talk about toughening me up!)

Something that I thought was really cool about my baptism was that Travis got to baptize me, and my Dad got to confirm me. It was such a special experience to have the two men in my life at that time that I looked up to the most, be a part of such a big event in my life.

This is just one I thought was funny. Mainly because I am not sure who let us out of the house like this, but Travis, the 80's called and they want their pink hat, shirt, and short shorts back...

Travis and I have been on countless adventures together. Some of my fondest memories growing up were the times we went to Moab in his Scout and four-wheeled. Whenever he would take me rock climbing and put up with me screaming that I was scared. Going to Zions and hiking the Narrows more than once and jumping off things that my mom the whole time was pleading us not to jump off of. I think he is one of the main reasons I turned into such a thrill seeker.

He is the only person that can talk me into doing pretty much anything. Still to this day he does it. Last week I was wearing high heels and he said that we were all going to play tennis and I was coming. To which I replied "Um, I don't have any shoes". You would think we would leave it at that, but I was forced to wear shoes that were FAR too large for my feet, and we ended up playing tennis anyway!

Travis loves his girls so much. (and maybe a boy soon?) He is a great Dad, it amazed me how he just stepped right into the "Father Role" and has done an exceptional job with his kids.

Travis, I know we don't say this very often, but I love you very much. You are someone that inspires me, and pushes me. For that I am so grateful. You are truly someone I look up to.

Thank you,

Caito (let me know when filming starts for Sabotage)

Happy Tax Day!

Fun Surprise!

Just got a package in the mail from my darling mother-in-law Susan. She lives in Washington and is always sending the most thoughtful packages and cards to Bob and me. She is so great to remember every holiday and occasion. (I am not so good at this!) This is what was in the package.



She knows me too well, not only is it polka dotted (polka dot pen included), but it's stationary. I love writing lists and this is perfect! She hit the nail right on the head with this one. I can't get enough of organizing or dots! Thank you Susan! I love getting fun surprises like this! (and look at the darling card!)